Jordan Henderson lay on the pitch at the Azteca Stadium, oxygen mask strapped to his face, as England’s historic victory over Mexico faded into the background. The 36-year-old Brentford midfielder had been an unused substitute in the 3-2 last-16 win, but after the final whistle he joined teammates in celebrating in front of the travelling fans. Then he fell awkwardly over the advertising hoardings.
Medical staff rushed to his side. Henderson was given oxygen and carried off on a stretcher, accompanied to hospital by a member of England’s support staff. He did not travel back with the squad to their Kansas City base. Later it was confirmed that he had broken his wrist and would undergo surgery, ruling him out of the remainder of the World Cup.
“Jordan Henderson breaks wrist celebrating England win, undergoes surgery, and is ruled out of the World Cup.”
“Jordan just fell over and injured his wrist. It looks really bad,” England head coach Thomas Tuchel told BBC One after the game. “It’s a quite serious injury and it doesn’t fit to the evening that Jordan is now not with us. The doctor told me he is in hospital.”
Jude Bellingham, one of the first to reach Henderson, said: “He’s in a bit of bother but our medical team have got everything under control probably. Best not to give too much detail when I don’t know too much what is going on. Everyone was there to support him and even that was a beautiful thing to see.”
Henderson’s only appearance in the tournament had come as an 84th-minute substitute against Panama. By playing at a fourth World Cup – first selected by Roy Hodgson for the 2014 campaign in Brazil – he equalled a record set by Bobby Charlton, who appeared from 1958 to 1970. The injury struck in his first World Cup without starting a game.
Wayne Rooney, speaking on the BBC, said Henderson’s absence could be a “real loss” for England. “He’s such a powerful voice in the dressing room. I personally would have gone with someone like Adam Wharton to help with his development. But he’s such an important voice and Thomas Tuchel believed he can have a real impact with the squad. It will be a loss certainly and I hope he gets well soon because it looks like a nasty injury.”
Despite the injury, Henderson is expected to stay with the squad for the remainder of the tournament in a non-playing capacity, remaining with the group as they prepare for a quarter-final against Norway in Kansas City. The FA is likely to provide a further update on his condition in the coming days.